Blender updates are exciting, packed with shiny new features and tools, but they can also feel like a double-edged sword.
Just when you’ve mastered the current version, here comes another release to shake things up. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, staying current can feel like a balancing act.
If you love riding the wave of every update, you might:
- Track Blender’s latest milestones.
- Dive into developer forums to report bugs.
But if you're focused on getting projects done, learning the ropes of Blender, teaching a class, or simply staying in a steady creative flow, sticking with a Long Term Support (LTS) release might be the best move.
Here’s why it could save you time, headaches, and help you stay productive.Â
Why Blender 4.2 LTS is the Best Choice for Stability
Blender 4.2 LTS offers a stable foundation for creatives who need reliability in their workflows. Supported by developers for two years after its official release, this version ensures that your work environment remains consistent and free of disruptive changes.
No New Features or API Changes: LTS versions focus on stability rather than innovation. While new features and improvements are exciting, they can sometimes introduce bugs or compatibility issues. Blender 4.2 LTS ensures critical fixes are applied without altering the core functionality.
Incremental Updates: Blender 4.2.6, for example, addresses known issues and bugs without introducing new tools or major changes, keeping your workflow smooth and predictable.
This stability is invaluable for professionals and hobbyists alike when working on long-term projects or learning the ropes.
Why Beginners Should Start with Blender 4.2 LTS
If you’re just starting out or have recently begun a new course, Blender 4.2 LTS is your ideal starting point. Here’s why:
Simplified Learning Curve: Frequent updates can be overwhelming for beginners. LTS versions allow you to focus on mastering the basics without worrying about changes breaking your progress.
Consistency in Education: Many courses, including CG Cookie’s CORE fundamentals, are designed with LTS versions in mind to ensure a reliable learning experience.
Education takes time to curate. If you're always jumping on the latest version you're limiting the amount of available knowledge to learn from out of the gate, restricting yourself.
By sticking to Blender 4.2 LTS, you can confidently build a solid foundation without distractions, and should you need a refresher on what 4.2 has to offer, we have you covered!
Long-Term Projects and Pipelines: The Case for Stability
For important projects that take months or years, stability is non-negotiable. While new features in non-LTS releases might solve some problems, they can also create new ones.
Reliable Pipelines: Teams working on extensive projects need tools that won’t change unexpectedly. Blender 4.2 LTS ensures your workflow remains intact, even for projects requiring collaboration.
Educators: Those teaching Blender on a year long curriculum can remain focused on helping students understand the foundations of 3D Modeling and Animation vs what new button to press.Â
Minimized Risks: Unplanned issues caused by new features or changes can derail project timelines. LTS versions reduce this risk by prioritizing stability.
Running Blender 4.2 LTS on Older Hardware
Not everyone can afford to upgrade their hardware with every new release. Blender 4.2 LTS is designed to run efficiently on older systems, making it an excellent choice if you’re working with limited resources.
Multiple Supported Versions: While Blender 4.2 LTS will be supported until 2026, earlier versions like 3.6 LTS remain viable options until June 2025.
Optimized for Compatibility: LTS versions are less demanding on hardware, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of users.
How to Download and Maintain Blender 4.2 LTS
Finding and maintaining the right Blender version doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are a few tips:
Official Sources: Download Blender 4.2 LTS directly from the official Blender website’s LTS section.
Third-Party Tools: Use applications like Blender Launcher to manage multiple versions. Keep in mind that Blender Launcher is a third-party tool not officially supported by the Blender Foundation.
Automatic Updates: Platforms like Steam, the Microsoft Store, or Snapcraft allow for automatic updates to specific versions, ensuring you’re always running the latest LTS iteration.
What happened with Grease Pencil 3.0?
Grease Pencil 3.0 was initially expected to debut with Blender 4.2 LTS but was delayed due to critical bugs and missing features.
While this decision may have disappointed some users, it highlights the Blender Foundation’s commitment to delivering reliable tools for LTS users. ❤️
The new features, such as brushes as assets and improved curve editing, were instead included in Blender 4.3.
However, these changes also made certain workflows obsolete, underscoring the importance of stability for professionals.
The Balance Between Stability and Innovation
While Blender 4.2 LTS is your go-to version for day-to-day production, staying aware of the latest features is still valuable. New tools and updates can inspire fresh ideas and enhance creativity, but they’re best explored in a testing environment rather than during critical projects.
CG Cookie: Your Partner in Learning Blender 4.2
At CG Cookie, we’re here to make your Blender journey as smooth as possible. Our CORE courses are aligned with Blender 4.2 LTS, providing a stable and reliable foundation for your learning.
For those eager to explore Grease Pencil, we offer a trio of courses starting with DRAW, a free introduction to this powerful tool.
Our community boards and lesson-specific Q&A sections are always open to help you navigate challenges and make the most of your Blender experience.
Happy Blending!
- Paul
Love this!!!